Town of Newmarket buys Mulock estate for $24M to create 'Central Park'

Yorkregion.com
Feb. 8, 2018
By Teresa Latchford

Newmarket plans to create a Central Park-inspired green space with the purchase of a landmark property.

The 11.6-acre property, located on the northwest corner of Mulock Drive and Yonge Street, known as the Mulock farm/estate, comes with a price tag of $24 million and will be paid for through debt financing, according to the town.

This cost represents a one-time, $50 per household tax increase, or $10 per year phased in over five years.

The intention is to create a community park and outdoor green space inspired by New York's Central Park, and outdoor skating trails such as in Brampton's Gage Park and Huntsville's Arrowhead Ice Trail.

"With unanimous support by council, the vision is to secure this large, rare, natural property now, to become our Central Park, to service the existing and future residents," Mayor Tony Van Bynen said.

The vision is to have walking trails, a 1-kilometre skating trail, lights, fire pits, market vendors and an outdoor skating rink, added Regional Coun. John Taylor.

Above the purchase cost, the development of the property will be funded by growth, provincial and federal infrastructure grant funding, sponsorships and donations, according to the town.